d the consequence was that not
a ribbon, or a flower met her approval until she had first consulted
half a dozen young friends, who, being apt to differ, kept her mind in
a perpetual tumult.

The mooted question on the morning before mentioned, was the exact
length required for the bridal veil, Her confidents all differed in
opinion, and, in despair, she appealed to her mother. "Mamma, Isabel
thinks the veil is two inches too long, and Clara says it is only half
an inch, and Caroline says it is just right. Now what do you think?"

"Why, it seems to be entirely a matter of taste, my dear; perhaps you
had better put it on and ask the doctor's advice."

"O, mamma, the doctor knows nothing at all about the fashions, and if
he did, he would not follow them I know," said she rather petishly.
"He won't do anything anybody else does."

"Why, Louise!" said her mother in surprise.

"I can't help it, mamma; Ned and I had set our hearts upon having wine
at the wedding, for it is quite fashionable now, and we were very sure
that we could coax you to let us, and when I confided in the doctor,
and asked him to use his influence in our favor, he declared flatly
that he would never give his consent, if it was ever so fashionable. I
declare, it made me almost wish I was going to marry Charley Horton.
You know he and Isabel Merton are engaged, and the other day when we
were all together, Isabel told me that she had never asked but one
favor of Charley which he was not willing to grant, and that was, that
he would promise not to use wine in his family nor offer it to his
friends. She said she felt uncomfortable whenever she thought of the
matter, but she hoped to be able to influence him to give it up after
they were married. Caroline Wyndam was there, and she said she would
not _dare_ to say a word to her lover on the subject, although she
would give the world to have him leave off social drinking. But Clara
Hastings and the other girls said they did not think a little wine or
beer would hurt anybody, and they would not give a fig for a man that
could not control his appetite. Clara Hastings said if she ever got
married, she would have wine at the wedding. When I told Ned about it
he said Clara was the girl for him. I wonder what Miss DeWolf would
say to that.

Mrs. Sherman tried to choke down her feelings, but the bitter, burning
tears would come and one by one they coursed down her withered cheek.

There was silence for a few mi